Snow and Blizzard: March 17-19, 2013

A strong late-winter storm brought snow over much of the state and blizzard conditions over parts of western Minnesota on March 17-19.

A low pressure area developed over Montana early in the morning of March 17 and moved to the east and was over north central South Dakota by late in the day. Cold air was entrenched in front of this system as a band of moderate snow marched its way east across south Dakota and by late evening of the 17th the snow had reached the western border of Minnesota. By 5am on the 18th the band of snow moved into the Twin Cities and continued through the morning hours, dropping from 3 to 5 inches of snow across the Twin Cities. Heaver snow fell over northern Minnesota with International Falls seeing a three-day total of 7.7 inches with 7.4 inches falling on the 18th.

A sharp cold front was also associated with the storm system and the blowing snow caused blizzard conditions in northwest and west central Minnesota, Interstate 94 and Highway 10 were closed during the day of the 18h in west central and northwest Minnesota. One of the higher gusts was 47mph at Elbow Lake in West Central Minnesota at 6am on the 18th. Strong winds continued on March 19 with blowing and drifting snow in open areas.